Some nights you don’t want to throw out the leftover rotisserie chicken carcass, and thisslow cooker bone brothis exactly why. Just toss the bones, a few vegetables, and some herbs into the slow cooker, and by the next morning you’ve got a rich, flavorful broth perfect for soups, sipping, or cooking.

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s the easiest way to turn something you’d normally throw away into liquid gold. The slow cooker does all the work overnight, and there’s nothing fussy about the process either.

A mason jar filled with brown liquid sits on a cloth, with flowers and greenery nearby. Another filled jar is visible in the background.

What is Slow Cooker Bone Broth?

Slow cooker bone brothis a rich, flavorful broth made by simmering a chicken carcass (or other bones) with vegetables, herbs, and water for hours in the slow cooker. People love it because it’s an easy, hands-off way to use up leftover bones and turn them into a nourishing broth for soups, sauces, and drinking on its own.

Key Takeaways

Cooks onlow for 8 hours.
Made withpantry vegetables and seasonings.
Makes about8 cups of brothto store and use later.
Naturallylow in caloriesand high in flavor.
Almostentirely hands-offonce it’s in the slow cooker.
Perfect way toreduce food waste.

Ingredient Notes

A raw whole chicken is placed in a black slow cooker with sliced tomatoes, onion, and garlic around it, ready for cooking. The image is taken from above on a wooden surface.

Celery:Adds a classic savory depth to the broth base.

Carrots:Add natural sweetness that balances the broth’s savory flavor.

Onions:A key aromatic that builds the broth’s base flavor.

Garlic:Adds a savory, aromatic note to the broth.

Tomatoes:Add a subtle depth and slight acidity to the broth.

Chicken Carcass:The most important part of the broth; a leftover rotisserie chicken carcass works well for this.

Peppercorns:Add a mild, peppery background flavor as it simmers.

Salt:Season the broth throughout the long cook time.

Parsley:Adds a fresh, herby note to the broth.

Thyme:Rounds out the herb blend with a warm, earthy flavor.

Rosemary:Creates a fragrant, piney flavor.

Sage Leaves:Gives a subtle, savory flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Water:Enough to cover the chicken carcass, but be careful not to overflow the slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Bone Broth

Place the vegetables and chicken carcass in the slow cooker.
Add the salt and peppercorns.
Pour enough water in to cover or almost cover the ingredients. DO NOT overfill the slow cooker. Leave at least 2 inches from the lid.
Cook on low for 8 hours.
Cool, strain, and store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Bone Broth

A whole chicken with herbs and spices cooks in broth inside a black slow cooker, surrounded by white flowers and greenery on a wooden table.

Don’t overfill the slow cooker.Leaving at least 2 inches from the lid keeps the broth from bubbling over as it cooks.
Use a leftover rotisserie chicken carcass.It’s an easy way to get great flavor from something you’d otherwise throw away.
Strain thoroughly before storing.A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth helps remove small bone fragments and herb bits for a clean, smooth broth.
Cool before storing.Letting the broth cool slightly before transferring it to containers helps it store more safely and evenly.
Skim the fat if desired.Once chilled, the fat will rise to the top and can easily be skimmed off for a leaner broth.

Variations and Substitutions

Beef Bone Broth– Swap chicken bones for beef bones (roast them first for deeper flavor) and increase the cooking time to 12 to 24 hours for maximum nutrient extraction.
Vegetable Version– Double the vegetables and add mushrooms, leeks, or fennel for more robust vegetable flavor.
Without Tomatoes– Simply omit if you prefer a cleaner chicken flavor or are avoiding nightshades.
Instant Pot Version– Use the same ingredients, cook on HIGH pressure for 2 hours, then allow the steam to naturally release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bones other than chicken carcass?

Yes. Beef bones work well; just roast them first for a deeper flavor and plan on a longer cooking time.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead of the slow cooker?

Yes. Use the same ingredients and cook on high pressure for 2 hours, then let the pressure naturally release.

How long does homemade bone broth last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this broth stays fresh for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze bone broth?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave some room in the container for expansion.

Why do I need to leave space at the top of the slow cooker?

Overfilling can cause the broth to bubble over as it cooks, so leaving at least 2 inches from the lid keeps it safe and contained.

Can I skip the tomatoes?

Yes. The tomatoes add a subtle depth, but the broth works well without them if you prefer a cleaner chicken flavor or are avoiding nightshades.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Bone Broth

A mason jar filled with a dark brown liquid, possibly herbal tea or broth, sits on a wooden surface surrounded by green leaves and white flowers.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Rice or Risotto(Cooked in the broth for extra flavor.)

Mashed Potatoes(Use the broth in place of a splash of milk or cream.)

Homemade Gravy

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, leaving room for expansion.

Reheating

Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave individual portions until hot.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

This classicslow cooker bone brothis easy to prepare with a leftover chicken carcass and a few pantry vegetables and seasonings. This rich, flavorful broth is wonderful to have on hand to use in a variety of recipes like soup, stew, and even sipping on its own.